Humanization: The humanistic perspective as a guide for supporting people with intellectual disability

BackgroundDespite humanistic declarations regarding the rights of people with intellectual disability to live a full, meaningful life, in practice, resulting from dilemmas experienced by direct support provides, support is often limited to a focus on functional independence. The aim of this research was to define the theoretical principles by which the gap between humanistic declarations and practice can be overcome.MethodThe research focused on the role perception of 30 direct support providers who participated in semistructured interviews. A case study methodology was used applying an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA).FindingsThe interviews revealed that a humanistic perspective has been partially incorporated into the general attitudes of direct support providers. In practice, however, they indicated that they face dilemmas that challenge them in their daily work.ConclusionTo assist direct support providers in resolving their dilemmas, by adhering to humanistic principles, a 'humanization' model is offered. The theoretical principles underlying the model focus on meaningful life as the aim of support, enhancing recipients' autonomy, adhering to a holistic perspective and conducting dialogues acknowledging the abilities of people with intellectual disability to understand, choose and face challenges. Further examination of the model and its application in practice is recommended. When providing supports to adults with intellectual disability it is sometimes difficult to choose between conflicting demands, such as: Providing either a safe and comfortable environment or a challenging one.To assist direct support providers in resolving dilemmas in their support of adults with intellectual disability, the 'humanization' model suggested here, offers four theoretical principles:Meaningful life-It is important to enable and encourage the support user to face new experiences and practice decision-making for personal meaning in life.Autonomy-Individuals with intellectual disability can and are entitled to make their own decisions. They should be encouraged to develop and express their priorities according to their personal worldview.Holistic perspective (Taking a Broad Perspective)-Individuals with intellectual disability are more than their abilities and difficulties; they are whole and one-of-a-kind.Interaction based on dialogue-The dialogue is based first and foremost on conversation that acknowledge the abilities of people with intellectual disability to understand, choose and face challenges.It is hoped that by applying the model, that direct support providers will be able to provide better assistance to adults with intellectual disability to seek personal meaning in their lives.